Most people don’t give their hot water heater enough attention. Proper maintenance, however, can help you avoid the multitude of issues that can arise over time and prolong the system’s lifespan. To help you better take care of your water heater, Linn Benton Plumbing shares some do’s and don’ts below.
1. DO INSPECT YOUR WATER HEATER REGULARLY
Check your water heater at least once a month to look for signs of damage. If you find leaks, cracks, or other issues, reach out to our team immediately for water heater repair in Lebanon, OR, no matter how minor they seem.
2. DO FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER
Flush your water heater annually or every six months, especially if you have hard water. Hard water can cause calcium deposits to build up inside the tank, making it harder for the unit to heat up efficiently over time. When left neglected, pinhole leaks may develop and heating components can get damaged, leading to a broken hot water heater.
3. DO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE
Not all water heaters are the same. When choosing a unit for your home, be sure it meets your hot water needs, especially during peak hours. As part of our water heater services, we will assess your home, note your unique requirements, and recommend the most appropriate size for your unit.
4. DON’T TURN UP THE HEAT
This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make on their water heater installation. Experts recommend setting the thermostat at 120 degrees or below to keep the water heater energy-efficient, but some people bump it to 140 degrees or higher. However, extremely high temperatures consume unnecessary energy and can put you at risk of scalding.
5. DON’T DELAY REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT
Once you notice warning signs, such as water pooling around the tank and hot water shortage, seek professional help immediately to avoid severe damage to your home. It also pays to keep an eye on the age of your water heater and replace it promptly when it’s past its prime. Most water heaters last up to 8-15 years with proper maintenance.
Linn Benton Plumbing is more than happy to provide tips and advice and help you keep your water heater in the best condition possible for years to come. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
